Dr Michael Osei Adu is a Crop Ecophysiology and Improvement Professor at the School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Ghana (UCC). His research focuses on the physiology of crop plants under abiotic stress, plant nutrition, rhizosphere interactions, and the mechanisms underlying resource acquisition and utilization by crops. He is also interested in urban agriculture and developing agronomic practices that enhance crops' availability and acquisition of resources in low-input farming systems.
Dr. Adu is a Principal Investigator on several major funded projects, including the Building Vegetable Farmers Resilience Against Climate Change (FRUITBUNCH) funded by Danida, the Sustainable Intensification of Food Production through Resilient Farming Systems in West & North Africa project (SustinAfrica) funded by the European Union, and the Revenue DIVersification pathways in Africa through bio-based and circular AGRIcultural innovations (DIVAGRI) also funded by the European Union. He currently leads research on the Taro Improvement and Commercialization Project, funded by the FAO and a project on stocktaking of CGIAR innovation in Ghana, funded by the SPIA of CGIAR. Previously, Dr. Adu has undertaken projects funded by USAID, SIDA, RUFORUM, and OCP.
Before joining UCC, Dr Adu was a Duke of Edinburgh Scholar from 2009 to 2010 during his Master's in Crop Improvement at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. He also held the prestigious Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence for his PhD in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Nottingham, UK, from 2010 to 2014.
In addition to his primary research interests, Dr. Adu has expertise in agricultural research synthesis, particularly the applications of meta-analysis and systematic reviews for impact assessment of agricultural research and food security studies. He has extensive experience in policy engagement and has worked on projects for development agencies, including USAID.
With over 50 publications, Dr. Adu has significantly contributed to quantifying variations in root system architecture and root growth dynamics. His complete publication record is available at Michael's Google Scholar.